Award winning Mediterranean beauty Lisa Panagos is an American singer, songwriter, actress and producer. Although born in Maryland in the U.S., Lisa possesses a unique array of exotic heredities from the mystical

country of Greece and the romantic city of Paris of France. Her Internationally and Globally recognized dance single “Mind’s Eye has earned her many awards. She was honored by the Akademia Music Awards for ‘Number 1 on the Charts’ and ‘Outstanding Achievement in Media’ for over 100,000 syndicated views plus ‘Best Pop/Jazz song’, ‘Best R&B/Soul Music Video’ and ‘Best R&B Cover song’ for “I Wanna Be Your Lover” originally written and recorded by the legendary Prince. The LA Music awards also recognized Lisa for her performance of “Mind’s Eye” and awarded her ’Music Video of the Year’, ‘Electronica/Dance Artist of the Year’ and Producers’ Choice for ‘Outstanding Debut Release’. The recognition continued as she also took home a Critics Choice Award for ‘Breakthrough Artist of the Year’ from the Artists in Music Awards.

Hollywood was all abuzz as she was presented the Hollywood F.A.M.E. Award for ‘Female Rising Star’ at the Avalon Theatre in Hollywood, Ca.

During the course of her all-embracing acting, music and recording career, Lisa has worked with some of the music industry’s biggest producers, re-mixers, writers and arrangers including MacQuayle (Beyoncé, Madonna, Lindsay Lohan), Rob Chiarelli (Madonna, Janet Jackson, Will Smith), hit songwriter Alex Forbes (Taylor Dane), Ed Goldson (Jay Z, Eve) and Dave Bianco (Bob Dylan, Mick Jagger, Vanessa Williams) to name a few.

Lisa has developed a catalogue of over 500 songs and tracks ranging from Pop to R&B /Soul to Dance and Jazz, all available for licensing deals and commercial applications for television, film, radio and other forms of new media. Lisa has appeared in many Broadway shows including ‘Annie Get Your Gun’ with Reba McEntire, ‘Sophisticated Ladies’ starring the Duke Ellington Orchestra, ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’, ‘Phantom of the Opera’ and ‘Camelot’ to name a few. A featured singer and ‘Sporting Doll’ at the famous Monte Carlo Sporting Club on the French Riviera, Lisa performed for the Royal family and opened for a host of legendary stars such as; The Gypsy Kings, Donna Summer, Tony Bennett, Harry Belafonte and Shirley MacLaine.

Aside from her ability to perform live, her acting credits in film and television include the EMMY nominated TV series ‘Yes Dear’, multiple award winning TV show ‘Law and Order’ and the Oscar nominated movie ‘Donnie Brasco’ as well as multiple independent movies. http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2166116

Lisa has performed to audiences around the world with her original music, musical reviews and book shows making her a well-seasoned national, international and global touring artist and performer. Currently, Lisa is living in Los Angeles where she is writing, producing and recording her new album, we caught up with this amazing artists and here is what she had to say:

What Musical Genre Do You Feel Best Describes Your Music And How Would You Describe Your Sound?

R&B/Soul Pop crossover. My sound is sultry vocals over pulsating, sexy grooves. People often compare my voice to Sade, Lisa Stansfield or Tina Marie. It captures a similar vibe but with a more modern twist.

How Did You Get Your Name? Is There A Story?

My Mom and Dad named me Lisa Marie and everyone called me Presley. Lol! I got tired of being compared to Lisa Marie Presley. Also I got an award for Female Rising Star with the Hollywood F.A.M.E. Awards and I knew my full name wouldn't look quite right on the star. I then decided to brand myself as Lisa Panagos. It fits great on the walk of Fame star!

What Are or Have been Your Musical Influences?

I've had so many influences I don't want to leave anyone out! The main ones have been Prince, Sade, Madonna, Tina Turner, Cher and Ann Margaret but I've been influenced by so many brilliant artists, writers and producers.

What Are You Working On Now? Any Future Collaborations We Can Look Forward To?

I am working on my new record which has been a really exciting process. I have a lot of really talented musicians on the record like Alex Al on bass who played for Michael Jackson and Session musician and brilliant Sax player Tom Saviano who's played with Ray Charles, Maroon 5 and Meatloaf to name a few. I'm excited to have Rob Chiarelli mixing the record (Madonna, Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, Janet Jackson and the list goes on).

What Is Your Ultimate Goal In The Music Industry? What Is Your Plan Of Action?

My ultimate goal is to be recognized by the Recording Academy after submitting my record to the Grammy's. I would also like to do more touring and videos.

What Is Your Favorite Track To Perform Live and Why?

I love to perform 'Mind's Eye' because the audience goes crazy. There is some sort of magic and vibe to that song that people love. When the audience is Vibing to my music I really get into the performance and am loving it. I feed off of the positive energy of the crowd and give it right back to them. More positive energy.

What Has Been The Biggest Challenge In Your Career Thus far?

The biggest challenge has been raising the money to finish my projects and keep the PR and Marketing going. It can get really expensive without a major label behind you with a large advance. I feel I would be much further along if I had a major label budget.

What’s Your Typical Songwriting Process?

I like to walk around in nature and get really quiet. I need to be alone a lot for ideas to start coming to me. The more I can relax my mind in nature and meditate I get a flood of ideas. I often get the whole song in one shot like I'm just a vessel that brought the song down from the sky. When that happens it's really amazing. I try not to block what's coming in and just be an open vessel. I have a recorder, pen and notebook by my bed for when that happens and also when I get ideas in the middle of the night which is my most creative time. All is still, the world is quiet and I create most works in the middle of the night for some reason.

How Has Social Media Influenced Your Career As An Artist?

It's been amazing. It's instant gratification like applause at a live show which I love. You post and instantly your fans respond and love you back! It's so awesome. Plus I can reach so many people that I never could have reached before. The WORLDWIDE WEB! Now I have amazing fans showing me love and support from all over the world. It's amazing!

I was always singing and writing poetry as a kid but I started out modeling. Mainly live runway shows and Print modeling. Then I was a serious ballerina for a while. I crossed over into Jazz, tap and Theatre dance and went into Acting and Musical Theatre before I started seriously recording and writing music.

Any Advice For Young People (Men or Women) That Want To Succeed In The Music World?

If you are passionate about it and can't live without it go for it! Otherwise you may want to go in a different direction. It takes a lot of drive, focus, ambition and passion to get out there, stay out there and want to be in the business for the long haul. If you want it bad enough you will figure out a way to make it happen!

What Would You Change In The Music Industry If You Were A Top Music Executive?

I would open up the playing field to more really talented out of the box artists who may not fit the top 40 mold. I would look for more unique artists that don't have that processed 'in the box' sound and look for real acts to develop that can stand the test of time and last like back in the day.

How Do You Feel About Originality?

I love it and I don't think there is enough of it. There are too many copycat artists and people that sing great and do covers really well but I'd like more original artists to be recognized for their original work.

Is There Anything Else We Should Know About You Or That You Would Like to Add?

I'm a complex individual and passionate about my work as an artist. That's a cause for an emotional rollercoaster ride at times but I wouldn't change it for the world. Life as an artist is an exciting journey!